Lung Cancer Screening

Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth (BID-Plymouth) offers a lung cancer screening lowdose CT scan of the chest for individuals who are at an increased risk for lung cancer. The goal is to detect lung cancer at an earlier and treatable stage to reduce lung cancer deaths in individuals that are at an increased risk due to current or past cigarette smoking. BID-Plymouth follows the current recommended National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for lung cancer screening.

The low-dose CT scan provides a detailed image of the lungs with much less radiation exposure than a regular diagnostic CT scan. A low-dose lung cancer screening CT scan is more effective than a standard chest x-ray, which has been shown to be ineffective in screening for lung cancer.

Criteria for Screening

Low-dose lung cancer screening CT scans are meant for certain current or past cigarette smokers who do not have any symptoms.

The following criteria must be met in order to undergo a CT scan for lung cancer:

Must be between 55–74 years of age (some insurance companies will cover screening for patients up to age 80) You have smoked for at least 30-pack years (examples: smoking 1 pack per day for 30 years; smoking 2 packs per day for 15 years) You must be a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years

Low-dose lung cancer screening CT scans come with some risks, including the need for additional diagnostic testing to evaluate abnormal results. A lung cancer CT scan exposes patients to the same radiation dose as two screening mammograms. Before scheduling a low-dose lung cancer screening CT scan, you must have a discussion with your primary care provider to determine if a lung cancer screening is appropriate for you.

Need help Quitting Smoking?

The best way to lower your chances of getting lung cancer is to stop smoking. No matter how much or for how long you have smoked, it is always in your best interest to stop. If you quit now, you will lower your chances of lung and breathing problems, many other cancers, and even heart disease.

BID-Plymouth has a smoking cessation program called Quitters Tobacco Treatment Program. The program is designed for the smoker who is ready to quit. For more information about the program, call 508-830-2174.

For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening, please call: 855-FOR-LUNG (855- 367-5894) or talk with your primary care provider.